[Guest]

I have been suffering from a very sharp pulsating pain on the outside of my ankle. The pain is sharp, sudden, and about knocks me over. I have not associated the episodes with a task, or sports. I wear orthotics for plantar fasciitis for several years now. I had an XRay taken, but all it showed was a heel spur (slightly more noticeable that the XRays several years ago.)

The episode was the worst last night. About every 10-15 minutes, I was awaken by the sensation that someone was hammering away at my ankle.

Any help or direction is appreciated.

Brad Middaugh

[Guest]

Dear Brad

Extremely interested to hear about your problem, as it sounds very much like mine.

Just to see if I am on the same wave length, do you find the following:

1) A sharp pain that is like somebody has just shoved a needle into/rod down the outside of your legs just about an inch above your ankle?

2) Makes you walk a bit like a 'crab' and you crunch your feet up to curb the pain?

3) No real strength/balance in it, eg if somebody jumped on you unexpected you would just keel over/your feet would give way?

4) Seem to get achey pains in the ball and bridge of your foot because of your pain?

5) Can actually go completely in a second or you can walk it off after say 30 - 45 mins?

6) Can walk/run OK, but if you stop and say sit down, when you get back up you get the 'crab' effect?

My X-Rays showed nothing and at present, I have gone through 9 physios and doctors. None of them have ever heard of it never mind cure it!

Have you had any luck??

Regards


Laphan

[quote] I have been suffering from a very sharp pulsating pain on the outside of my ankle. The pain is sharp, sudden, and about knocks me over... [/quote]

[Guest]

Laphan,

Yes, our symptoms are very similar. My pain located just below the "ankle" bone, instead of just above. Also, I haven't noticed pain on the bottom of the foot as you have described.

My orthopedic put me on corticosteroids, but no help yet. I am waiting on the MRI results. One thing I have noticed, however, is that when the pain hits, the veins on the outside of my ankle become very large and I have the sensation of burning in addition to the nail in my bone sensation, making me wonder if the problem is vascular, not bone related.

Brad

[quote] Dear Brad

Extremely interested to hear about your problem, as it sounds very much like mine.

Just to see if I am on the same wave length, do you find the following:

1) A sharp pain that is like somebody has just shoved a needle into/rod down the outside of your legs just about an inch above your ankle... [/quote]

[Guest]

Hi Brad

Thanks for the quick reply.

The pain on the bottom of my feet seems to be a sort of reaction to walking funny for so long. It doesn't seem to be coming from what appears to be the actual problem (ie, above the ankle).

What are corticosteriods? Are they similar to the injection that you can have? I am a bit warry of having this, as they said they would have to put me to sleep because they would have to keep injecting me numerous times until they were happy that both feet had the necessary dose! Seems a bit FRakenstein-ie to me!

My physios said it wouldn't be worth an MRI, but I disagree. What do you think??

My condition seemed to coinside with me playing soccer twice a week on hard surfaces. Like a fool I played through the pain for about a year and a half until I gave up with it.

I too had swollen veins and any soft parts of my ankle seemed to swell up as well. My X-Rays showed no breaks or fractures.

Let me know how you get on.

Regards


Robbie
[quote] Laphan,

Yes, our symptoms are very similar. My pain located just below the "ankle" bone, instead of just above... [/quote]

[Guest]

The differences in our symptoms seem to outweigh the similarities. Since my problem now appears to be more vascular than orthopedic, I was instructed to start Aspirin therapy which is used in peripheral vascular disease.

Regarding your symptoms, I'm an eye doctor, not a podiatrist or orthopedic, so I can offer you no real advice. I do know however, that for 8 months I dealt with recurrent painful heals as a result of plantar fasciitis (inflamation associated with a heel spur). After only getting temporary relief from multiple steroid injections and custom orthotics, I finally found relief by soaking my feet in hot water with epsom salt. After three days of soaking twice a day, I have been pain free for four years now.

Brad

[quote] Hi Brad

Thanks for the quick reply.

The pain on the bottom of my feet seems to be a sort of reaction to walking funny for so long... [/quote]

[Guest]

The sural nerve travels in this area where you are having pain as well as two peroneal tendons. The nevre is probably getting impinged on either the tendons, a varicos vein or by the shoes you wear. Therefore, these should all be evaluated. Furthermore, your orthotics may be worn-out and causing you to walk on an undesireable angle leading to this problem. Therefore, discuss these concerns with your doctor. Good luck and please write back if you have any further questions.
[quote] I have been suffering from a very sharp pulsating pain on the outside of my ankle. The pain is sharp, sudden, and about knocks me over... [/quote]